Remove Fluoride from our Drinking Water? A Deep Dive into RFK Jr’s Proposed Initiative

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With Robert F. Kennedy Jr. tapped to lead the Department of Health and Human Services under the upcoming Trump administration, we wanted to share a deep dive into one of his proposed initiatives: removing fluoride from our public drinking water. 

The full investigation by Dr. Maanas Samant is available on X, but we’ve pulled the highlights and key points into this newsletter. We’ll share the history, science, and the arguments for and against it. 

This topic is relevant to ALL Americans because it is precisely what RFK Jr. has said he is going to do, and now he will be the next Head of the Department of Health & Human Services. His push to remove fluoride from drinking water looks to balance the proven benefits of public health measures against recent studies and individual autonomy. 

Read on to learn: What is fluoride? Why was it added to water in the first place? What are the concerns that have fueled this controversy? Here’s what I found. 

But first, here is a small capsule of some crucial headlines in the HealthTech world. 

In the Spotlight 

1. RFK Jr. vs Big Food: The Battle Over Artificial Additives in Your Diet 
2. Are Childhood Vaccines ‘Overloading’ the Immune System? No. 
3. Weight-loss drugs draw Americans back to the doctor 
4. Fasting can reduce weight — but also hair growth 
5. As Fertility Rates Fall, Some Scientists Say Everyday Chemicals Are a Factor  

What is Fluoride, and Why Does It Matter? 

Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral found in water, soil, and even certain foods. Its most well-known role is in dental health: it strengthens tooth enamel, the hard, outer layer of teeth, by making it more resistant to acid and decay. 

Without diving too deep into dental anatomy, your enamel is like armor for your teeth. Fluoride enhances this armor, upgrading it to a tougher, more resilient version that protects against external attacks. 

Enamel doesn’t regenerate once damaged, so fluoride’s preventative role is particularly critical for children whose teeth are still developing. 

Why Was Fluoride Added to Water? 

The story begins in 1901, when Dr. Frederick McKay observed that residents in Colorado Springs had teeth with brown stains "Colorado Brown Stain" but were remarkably resistant to cavities. After years of investigation, it was discovered in 1931 that the cause was naturally high fluoride levels in the water. 

This dual nature of fluoride (both protective and potentially staining) led researchers to explore optimal fluoride levels. In 1945, Grand Rapids, Michigan, became the first city to fluoridate its water supply, targeting levels high enough to prevent cavities but low enough to avoid dental fluorosis. A 15-year study on 30,000 children showed a 60% reduction in cavities.  

RFK Jr.’s Concerns 

Concern 1: Neurodevelopmental Effects (Lower IQ) 

RFK Jr. cites studies suggesting that fluoride exposure during pregnancy may lower children’s IQ. 

Key Studies: 

• A Mexican study linked high maternal fluoride levels (measured in urine) to lower IQ in children, though the fluoride levels were higher than what most Americans encounter. 

• A Canadian study found similar results but noted inconsistencies, such as differences in IQ impacts between boys and girls. 

Conclusion: Higher levels of fluoride may pose risks, but research suggests the levels in U.S. water are likely safe. 

Concern 2: Bone Health 

Long-term exposure to high fluoride levels can lead to skeletal fluorosis, making bones brittle. However, this is rare in the U.S., where fluoride levels are carefully regulated. A study comparing fluoride levels in bone found no link between fluoride and bone cancer. 

Conclusion: Risks are minimal at the regulated levels in U.S. water. 

Concern 3: Thyroid Issues 

RFK Jr. argues that fluoride may interfere with thyroid function by reducing iodine absorption. A study in England found an association between fluoride exposure and hypothyroidism but noted other factors, like iodine deficiency, as significant contributors. 

Conclusion: While further research is needed, the recommended fluoride levels are unlikely to pose significant thyroid risks. 

Concern 4: Too Much of a Good Thing? 

RFK Jr. questions whether fluoride is still necessary, given the widespread availability of fluoride toothpaste and treatments. He also raises ethical concerns about administering fluoride to entire populations without consent. 

Current Consensus: Organizations like the CDC, ADA, and WHO still support water fluoridation as safe and effective, with the recommended level set at 0.7 mg/L. However, the maximum allowable level of 4 mg/L is significantly higher, raising questions about regulatory standards. 

Is It Time to Revisit Fluoride in Water? 

I mean, the answer is an obvious yes because it is precisely what RFK Jr is going to do, and he is tapped to be Head of the HHS. His push to remove fluoride from drinking water looks to balance the proven benefits of public health measures with new evidence and individual autonomy.  

Fluoride’s story is one of scientific innovation and a definite public health success upon its implementation over 60 years ago, but it’s also a reminder of the importance of continuous research and dialogue.  

Without that dentist in 1901 being stubborn and digging into "Colorado Brown Stain" for 30 years we wouldn't have even known about fluoride's influence in water!  Scientific consensus is great, but it does evolve over time. So, whether you’re for or against fluoridation, the conversation about its role in modern public health is far from over.  

What are your thoughts? Is fluoride in water a triumph of preventive health or an outdated practice in need of reconsideration? 

That's a wrap on this edition.

We'd love to hear your thoughts on it. Also, if there are any specific topics you'd like us to cover, feel free to let us know! We're always open to suggestions. [email protected]